Retention plate for fuel pump module

ABSTRACT

A fuel tank assembly includes a tank defining an aperture on a first generally planar surface. A plurality of retaining members extend outwardly from the first planar surface and are arranged generally around the aperture. A fuel sender assembly is disposed in the tank and adapted to mate with the first planar surface of the tank around the aperture in an assembled position. The fuel sender assembly defines a second generally planar surface. A retention plate is adapted to engage the plurality of retaining members and urge the fuel sender flange against the first planar surface of the tank in the assembled position. The retention plate includes a central body portion laterally offset from and adapted to substantially cover the second planar surface of the fuel sender flange in the assembled position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automotive fuel sending devices and more particularly, to a retention plate operable to secure a fuel sender assembly to a fuel tank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, automotive fuel sending devices are secured through an aperture in a fuel tank by a locking ring. Typically, structure incorporated on the locking ring is adapted to cooperatively mate with structure extending from the fuel tank. In this manner, a flange from a fuel sender sealably captured between the locking ring and the fuel tank. Conventionally, the locking ring includes lands or extensions for engaging L-shaped retaining members associated with the fuel tank.

The fuel sender flange typically includes outlet ports extending therefrom for communicating fuel and vapor away from the fuel tank. The fuel sender flange also typically includes an electrical connector thereon for coupling with an electrical harness providing power to the fuel sender.

It is desirable to maintain a fluid tight seal between the fuel sender and fuel tank interface. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a fuel sender and fuel tank configuration that resists torsional deformation or twisting of the tank near the fuel sender interface to deter fuel or vapor leak thereat during an impact. Furthermore, it is desirable to protect the fuel sender flange from damage in the event of an impact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fuel tank assembly includes a tank defining an aperture on a first generally planar surface. A plurality of retaining members extend outwardly from the first planar surface and are arranged generally around the aperture. A fuel sender assembly is disposed in the tank and is adapted to mate with the first planar surface of the tank around the aperture in an assembled position. The fuel sender assembly defines a second generally planar surface. A retention plate is adapted to engage the plurality of retaining members and urge the fuel sender flange against the first planar surface of the tank in the assembled position. A seal is compressed between first planar and second planar surface. The retention plate includes a central body portion laterally offset from and adapted to substantially cover the second planar surface of the fuel sender flange in the assembled position.

According to other features, the retention plate includes a radial flange adapted to cooperate with the retaining members in the assembled position. The retention plate includes a radial wall extending between the radial flange and the central body portion. The radial wall extends substantially transverse to the second planar surface of the fuel sender assembly. The radial wall defines at least one opening adapted to receive a fuel delivery and fuel return line therethrough, the fuel delivery line and the fuel return line, respectively, communicating with the fuel sender assembly. At least one opening is adapted to receive an electrical connection therethrough, the electrical connection adapted to connect with an electrical receiver arranged on the second planar surface of the fuel sender assembly. At least one opening provides clearance for the fuel delivery line, the fuel return line and the electrical connection, respectively, to accommodate rotation of the retention plate between an assembled position and a release position.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the retention plate according to the present teachings shown assembled to a fuel tank;

FIG. 2 is a front exploded perspective view of the fuel sender assembly, retention plate and radial ring according to the present teachings;

FIG. 3 is a rear exploded perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating outlet ports of the fuel sender assembly passing through openings provided on the retention plate;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an installation step; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fuel sender assembly and retention plate shown in an installed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, a fuel tank assembly for a motor vehicle is illustrated and generally identified at reference 10. The fuel tank assembly 10 generally includes a fuel tank 12, having a fuel tank retaining portion 16, a fuel sender assembly 20 having a lower fuel sender module 28 and an upper fuel sender flange 30, and a retention plate 26. The upper fuel sender flange 30 includes a fuel delivery line or first outlet port 36 for communicating fuel from the fuel tank 12 and a fuel return line or second outlet port 34 for communicating return from the fuel tank 12. An electrical receiver 38 is arranged on the upper fuel sender flange 30 of the fuel sender assembly 20. As will be described in greater detail, the retention plate 26 according to the present teachings is operable to couple the upper fuel sender flange 30 of the fuel sender assembly 20 to the fuel tank 12. In addition, the retention plate 26 provides an upper boundary for the first and second outlet port 34 and 36 of the fuel sender assembly 20.

With particular reference now to FIG. 2, the retaining portion 16 of the tank 12 will be described in greater detail. The retaining portion 16 defines a central passage 40 and includes a radial flange 42 adapted to be coupled to the fuel tank 12. The central passage 40 of the retaining portion 16 aligns with an upper aperture 46 (FIG. 4) formed on a generally planar upper surface 48 of the fuel tank 12. The retaining portion 16 includes a plurality of retaining members 50 overmolded into tank 12. The retaining members 50 extend in a generally L-shaped configuration around the retaining portion 16. It is appreciated that the retaining members 50 may comprise other configurations. While the retaining portion 16 is shown as an integrally molded feature of the tank 12, it may also comprise a distinct component in the form of a ring for example and adapted to mate with the tank 12.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fuel sender flange 30 will be described in greater detail. The fuel sender flange 30 defines a generally planar upper surface 54 and a collar 56 extending radially therearound. The collar 56 defines a cylindrical wall 58 and a radial flange 60 (FIG. 3). The radial flange 60 is adapted to be supported by the radial flange 42 (FIG. 2) of the retaining portion 16 of the tank 12 in an assembled position. The first outlet port 36 generally includes an inlet 66 extending toward and communicating with the fuel sender 28 and an outlet 68 extending away from the fuel sender 28 and generally defining a right angle with respect to the inlet 66.

The second outlet port 34 generally includes an inlet 62 extending toward and communication with the fuel sender 28 and an outlet 64 extending away from the fuel sender 28 and generally defining a right angle with respect to the inlet 62. The respective outlets 64 and 68 of the outlet ports 34 and 36 extend substantially transverse to the planar upper surface 54. A pair of cylindrical extension rods 70 are formed on the fuel sender flange 30 for facilitating installation of the fuel sender assembly 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the retention plate 26 will be described in further detail. The retention plate 26 generally includes a central body portion 74, a radial wall 76 and a radial flange 80. The radial wall 76 extends substantially transverse to the radial flange 80 and the flange 60 of the fuel sender flange 30. The central body portion 74 defines an upper planar surface 84 substantially lateral to and offset from the planar upper surface 54 of the fuel sender flange 30 (as best illustrated in FIG. 4).

As best shown in FIG. 1, the central body portion 74 covers portions of the first and second outlet port 34 and 36, respectively, as well as the electrical receiver 38. In this way, the central body portion 74 provides protection for these components associated with the fuel sender flange 30. The central body portion 74 defines a passage 88 for communicating with the electrical receiver 38 during assembly. The radial wall 76 defines a first, second and third opening 90, 92 and 94, respectively. The first and second opening 90 and 92 are adapted to accept the first and second outlet ports 34 and 36, respectively, therethrough in an assembled position (FIG. 1). The third opening 94 is adapted to accept an electrical harness 100 therethrough (FIG. 7). The electrical harness 100 includes a connector 102 for mating with the electrical receiver 38 on the fuel sender flange 30. It is appreciated that while three openings 90, 92 and 94 are described as accommodating the outlet ports 34 and 36, and the electrical harness 100, fewer or additional distinct openings may be arranged on the radial wall 76. For example, a single opening may be adapted to accept the outlet ports 34 and 36 and the wire harness 100. Likewise, a plurality of openings may be arranged on the radial wall 76 for accommodating these and other components associated with the fuel sender assembly 20. A seal such as an o-ring 116 is further provided between the retaining portion 16 of the tank 12 and the flange 60 (FIG. 4).

Referring now to FIG. 2, a series of complementary slots 110 are arranged in the radial flange 80 of the retention plate 26 for cooperating with the retaining members 50 of the retaining portion 16. In addition, a complementary series of upwardly extending lands 114 are arranged around the radial flange 80 of the retention plate 26 for engaging the L-shaped retaining members 50 and for urging the retention plate 26 into the fuel sender flange 30 to influence a seal between the flange 60 of the fuel sender flange 30 and the radial flange 42 of the retaining portion 16.

The retention plate 26 is comprised of a rigid material such as, but not limited to, stamped steel. The structure of the retention plate 26 is robust and, as a result, is resistant to deformation. Specifically, the central body portion 74 provides structural support to discourage twisting or other deformation of the radial flange 80 and the retention plate 26 as a whole. As a result, the radial flange 80 provides torsional resistance at the interface between the flange 60 of the fuel sender flange 30 and the fuel tank 12. In this way, if the fuel tank 12 becomes dented or deformed during an accident for example, the retention plate 26 is adapted to resist leakage by providing resistance to twisting of the fuel tank 12 or other dimensional distortion at the fuel sender upper flange 30, fuel tank 12 interface.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary method for assembling the retention plate 26 to the fuel sender assembly 20 and fuel tank 12 will be described. First, the fuel sender assembly 20 is positioned into the aperture 46 of the fuel tank 12 such that the collar 56 of the fuel sender flange 30 is supported by the radial flange 42 of the retaining portion 16 of the fuel tank 12 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Next, the first and second outlet ports 34 and 36 are passed through the respective first and second openings 90 and 92 on the radial wall 76 of the retention plate 26. The L-shaped retaining members 50 are then passed through the respective slots 110 around the radial flange 80 of the retention plate 26. At this point, the lands 114 arranged on the radial flange 80 are positioned adjacent to the L-shaped retaining members 50.

Next, the retention plate 26 is rotated clockwise to engage the respective lands 114 with the L-shaped retention members 50 (FIG. 7). It is noted that the first and second opening 90 and 92, respectively, in the retention plate 26 accommodates rotation of the retention plate 26 between a release or disengaged position (FIG. 6) to an assembled position (FIG. 7) without interfering with the first and second outlet ports 34 and 36.

The electrical connector 102 is then passed through the third opening 94 and connected to the electrical receiver 38. Access to complete this connection may be provided by the passage 88 on the central body portion 74. It is appreciated that the electrical connector 102 may be secured to the electrical receiver 38 at an alternate point during assembly, such as, prior to securing the retention plate 26 to the fuel tank 12.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention has been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification and the following claims. 

1. A fuel tank assembly comprising: a tank defining an aperture on a first generally planar surface; a plurality of retaining members extending outwardly from said first planar surface and arranged generally around said aperture; a fuel sender assembly disposed in said tank and adapted to mate with said first planar surface of said tank around said aperture in an assembled position, said fuel sender assembly defining a second generally planar surface; and a retention plate adapted to engage said plurality of retaining members and urge said fuel sender flange against said first planar surface of said tank in said assembled position, said retention plate having a central body portion laterally offset from and adapted to substantially cover said second planar surface of said fuel sender assembly in said assembled position.
 2. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1 wherein said retention plate includes a radial flange adapted to cooperate with said retaining members in said assembled position.
 3. The fuel tank assembly of claim 2 wherein said retention plate includes a radial wall extending between said radial flange and said central body portion.
 4. The fuel tank assembly of claim 3 wherein said radial wall extends substantially transverse to said second planar surface of said fuel sender assembly.
 5. The fuel tank assembly of claim 4 wherein said radial wall defines at least one opening adapted to receive a fuel delivery line and a fuel return line therethrough, said fuel delivery line and said fuel return line, respectively, communicating with said fuel sender assembly.
 6. The fuel tank assembly of claim 5 wherein said at least one opening is adapted to receive an electrical connection therethrough, said electrical connection adapted to connect with an electrical receiver arranged on said second planar surface of said fuel sender assembly.
 7. The fuel tank assembly of claim 6 wherein said central body portion defines a passage adapted to provide access to said electrical receiver and said electrical connection.
 8. The fuel tank assembly of claim 7 wherein said retention plate is rotatable between said assembled position wherein said retention plate engages said retaining members, and a release position wherein said retention plate is disengaged from said retaining members.
 9. The fuel tank assembly of claim 8 wherein said at least one opening provides clearance for said fuel delivery line, said fuel return line and said electrical connection, respectively, to accommodate rotation of said retention plate between said assembled position and said release position.
 10. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1 wherein said retention plate is comprised of stamped steel.
 11. A retention plate for securing a fuel sender assembly to an aperture defined on a planar surface of a fuel tank, said retention plate comprising: a radial flange adapted to cooperate with retaining members extending from the fuel tank in an assembled position; a central body portion laterally offset from and adapted to substantially cover said fuel sender assembly in said assembled position; and a radial wall extending between said radial flange and said central body portion; wherein said retention plate is adapted to couple the fuel sender assembly to the fuel tank.
 12. The retention plate of claim 11 wherein said radial wall extends substantially transverse to the planar surface of the fuel tank.
 13. The fuel tank assembly of claim 12 wherein said radial wall defines at least one opening adapted to receive a fuel delivery and fuel return line therethrough, said fuel delivery line and said fuel return line, respectively, communicating with the fuel sender assembly.
 14. The fuel tank assembly of claim 13 wherein said at least one opening is adapted to receive an electrical connection therethrough, said electrical connection adapted to connect with an electrical receiver arranged on said second planar surface of the fuel sender assembly.
 15. The fuel tank assembly of claim 14 wherein said central body portion defines a passage adapted to provide access to said electrical receiver and said electrical connection.
 16. The fuel tank assembly of claim 15 wherein said retention plate is rotatable between an assembled position wherein said retention plate engages said retaining members, and a release position wherein said retention plate is disengaged from said retaining members.
 17. The fuel tank assembly of claim 16 wherein said at least one opening provides clearance for said fuel delivery line, said fuel return line and said electrical connection, respectively, to accommodate rotation of said retention plate between said assembled position and said release position.
 18. The fuel tank assembly of claim 11 wherein said retention plate is comprised of stamped steel.
 19. A method of assembling a fuel sender assembly to a fuel tank comprising: inserting the fuel sender assembly into an aperture defined by a planar wall of the fuel tank, the fuel sender assembly including a fuel sender flange resting radially around said aperture on said planar wall of the fuel tank; passing a fuel delivery line and a fuel return line through at least one opening formed on a retention plate, said at least one opening formed on a radial wall of said retention plate; and securing said retention plate to the fuel tank thereby capturing said fuel sender flange in a secured position between a radial flange extending from said retention plate and said planar wall of said fuel tank, said retention plate having a central body portion extending substantially offset from and covering said fuel sender assembly in said secured position.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: passing an electrical connection through said at least one opening in said retention plate; accessing said electrical connection through a passage formed on said central body portion; and coupling said electrical connection to an electrical receiver extending from said fuel sender assembly. 